| Author | Message | ||
     Whippetlovr |
I'm picking up my 09 1125R in a month's time or so, its still at the Harley dealer for now. Brand new, no mileage. Can someone explain to me what the whole "flash" deal is? Does my brand new 09 need some sort of 'upgrade' to its computer system before it even leaves the dealership? Should I be asking the dealer to verify something is the most recent, etc, before I bring it home and start riding? I see a lot of threads on here that mention "flash"es and "ECM" upgrades, and I have no idea what the hell you guys are referring to (bear with me, I've been an SV rider for years, totally new to Buells and their 'issues', and my husband/mechanic rides Yamaha so I don't think he's much help!) Thanks a lot guys. | ||
| Kirb |
You want to figure out the latest 'flash' version and have the dealer scan your ECM to verify what it is. Don't rely on the dealer to know what the latest flash is. The guys here will know the REV history and which one you should have. The flash is the program in your engine computer that adjusts the fuel system and timing of the engine. This program can be tweaked to make the bike run better. The later versions of the flash help the bike run better in most cases. | ||
| Milleniumx1 |
I'm an expert at dumbing it down ... That's sometimes the only way I understand it too! The flash is the version of code running on your ECM (engine control module ... The brain). You should ask for verification, and it will show on the printout the dealer does. The latest factory flash for an '09R is M3HUS142. If your bike doesn't have that one, the dealer can install it. They shouldn't charge you for it either! Mike | ||
| Metalrabbit |
The first lesson would be getting used to the look on your friends faces when you start it up for them  Actually first I would make sure the battery is charged and your tire pressures are right. That can save you a bunch of troubling little problems. The slow speed function of this thing is a bit rude, it will take a while to get use to it. Take the slack out of the throttle cable, mine was quite loose. Do a Throttle Position Sensor reset after adjusting the cable. That adjustment can have a fairly notable change in performance, so its no small thing. Then I would get a "plastic dual pan oil change sump" cause your going to need two pans to drain the oil from this bike. The kick stand will be inside one of the pans while draining. The rest is some pretty serious fun,, its a raw beast in its power delivery but very refined in its handling,, not a bad combo. I'm still running the flash that came with the bike when I got it last May. I have no idea what it is and I really dont care at this point. I ride it like I stole it perdy much all the time. It gets crappy fuel mileage (29mpg) but again I dont care cause it hauls plenty good for me. (Message edited by metalrabbit on February 19, 2010) (Message edited by metalrabbit on February 21, 2010) | ||
| Xodot |
Whippetlover - check the coolant level. Yes some of these beasts have come to the dealer low on coolant! Crazy but true. Have the dealer top up before you leave. It's a small job (and cost) but not one you should have to endure. Enjoy the wonder that you have found! and congrats.... | ||
| Whippetlovr |
Thanks everyone!! I asked them to check into the flash, the sales guy emailed me and said its the most up-to-date already... so we'll see. I have a Harley dealer locally anyways, so if I have issues, I'll have them fix them. Just bought my DarkHorseMoto sliders... first purchase for the bike... of many many more I am sure. | ||
| Ratbuell |
SET THE SUSPENSION FOR YOUR BODY WEIGHT. The suspension is not set for anything when it leaves the factory. Either request that the dealer set it for you for xxx pounds (they tend to ride very firm for a given weight range; if you like softer rides shave 30 lbs off your weight for the setting), or download the manual pages here that show you how to do it. It makes a night and day difference in the ride and handling of the bike. | ||
| Redbuell1203 |
Congrats on your new purchase. Just remember to not give this bike any gas while starting it. Flooding (too much fuel) causes it to start very hard. Remember to keep rubber side down for a while. | ||
| Whippetlovr |
Ratbuell- is it a pain in the arse to set the suspension myself? I'm assuming it will definitely have to be adjusted, I weigh a buck 25. If its fairly easy, I'll get my husband to do it... if its a pain, I'll ask the dealer (I just worry about having the dealer muck around with my BRAND new bike, potentially scratch it, etc) | ||
| Moosestang |
If you're coming from a SV650, you'll be in for a shock, power wise. The suspension is easy to set up, but i'm afraid the springs will be way to stiff for your light weight, especially the front forks. I'd take all the preload out of the front forks and that's still not going to get you into the suspension sag range that is considered optimal for the street. | ||
| Whippetlovr |
Moosestang- ya, I'm coming from an Sv650, but I rode my husband's R1 a bit last summer, so I won't be TOO shocked. Hopefully! So, I should be hitting the Big Macs before summer then? haha | ||
| D_adams |
You may want to look into a lighter weight set of springs, both front and rear. | ||
| Furbaby |
Try this link to see factory video, (hope it works)Owners manual should get you started in the right direction. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv8DY5Prl5c | ||
| 1125rrrred |
Wippetlovr Following up on Milleniumx1's post - some dealers are not up to speed on 1125's. I asked the right questions concerning latest flash and got consistently bad information. The only way for the dealer to check is to connect their Digital Tech to your bike (searching HD.net won't help). Took a couple of return trips, but once I got them convinced to try, all went well(after they figured out where to plug it in - that took a while) If they can't give you a printout, they haven't properly checked. As near as I can tell, my '09'R was about 3 flashes old. Also, be sure they check/clear codes after flashing. Enjoy your new ride!! | ||
| Ratsmc |
Your posts had me thinking you are British but something wasn't quite right. Then I realized you are Canadian and I knew something wasn't quite right  Anyway, congrats on the new bike. I think you'll love it. Coming from an SV should be interesting. An SV is like the most personable of the guys in suits, the 1125 is more like the guy who's seen the world: a bit rough around the edges but a hell of a lot more fun. I have owned a lot of Japanese bikes and I have radically modified all of them to the point where nothing but the motor was stock because none of them were really "right". None of them were really me or had a personality. However, the 1125CR is my bike and I cannot think of much I would do to change this thing other than fabricating some better looking pods. The 1125 may have its quirks and some things you have to know that you would never have to worry about with a Japanese bike but the fact is, when you are riding the thing you will have a smile on your face that no other bike can replace. The bike is just plain fun. And when it comes down to it, that is why we ride isn't it? Some details: To be blessed with your weight, you must pay the price some way and new springs is probably a good idea. Racetech has a simple calculator that will help figure out what you need Some other things to think about: your mirrors will be mostly useless. You can replace them or try this. That worked really well for me while I searched for turn signal options. There are some other things to be aware of. Fortunately, Froggy set up a section just for that BTW, I have an Italian Greyhound that I love dearly. (Message edited by ratsmc on February 19, 2010) Oh yeah, final thought: You can appreciate something that is well made but you can only become passionate about something that is brilliant but flawed. (Message edited by ratsmc on February 19, 2010) (Message edited by ratsmc on February 19, 2010) (Message edited by ratsmc on February 20, 2010) | ||
| Ratbuell |
Whippet - it's easy. I do a ton (I sell 'em) so I'm used to it, but I can do a whole bike in under 5 minutes. All the tools you need come with the bike (mainly a screwdriver, an open end wrench for the front fork preload, a spanner for the rear spring preload, and an extension for rear shock damping - all hand tools), in the little blue pouch under the passenger seat.  Enjoy the bike, you're gonna love it! | ||
| Milleniumx1 |
I'd suggest learning how to do the suspension adjustments yourself. Like Ratbuell said, all the tools you need are in the kit. Not only is it kind of fun to tinker with, but you'll also be able to adjust it whenever you like without having to go to the dealer. At 125, you'll definitely want to be dialing in the softer settings. I'm 165, and my bike didn't ride right (for me) until I backed off the suggested settings in the manual. Enjoy! | ||
| Geforce |
Congrats on your purchase! Just remember to ask the dealer questions and spend some time going through the manual to learn where everything is at. These bikes get better and better with more miles, so if you experience a little grumpiness in the beginning I promise it will eventually iron out and the engine gets stronger with more miles. Also, your biggest problem may be finding a sidecar for your Whippets... when you do let me know, I have a retired racer Greyhound named Camo who would LOVE to try and fit on the pillion but his little legs are too long and skinny. I told him to get some better grip but he refuses and wants a sidecar. :P The big stuff everyone else has touched already. Things to keep in te back of your mind... 1. ECM Flash Current 2. Battery Tender is a MUST when it's parked. 3. During break in make sure you check ALL FLUIDS! Coolant, Oil, Front and Rear Master Cylinders. 4. Easy on the throttle at first, learn the torque curve it's steady all the way up but steep in 1st and 2nd. 5. Learn all you can about Buell and come here often. | ||
| Geforce |
Also...forgot to ask... Are you getting side fairings with the bike? If so... LET ME KNOW... and I will give you some safe tips on clearances to check on the left side (Exhaust Header Side) to ensure that the dealer has installed them correctly. | ||
| Whippetlovr |
Thanks so much everyone, I really appreciate everyone's insight and input, so glad I found this forum! Geforce- no, I am not planning on getting side fairings. I do want a chin spoiler when I replace the stock exhaust, but I likely won't get around to doing that until next summer. And I don't forsee the sidecar... I have 2 whippets and one mini weinerdog, that would be a huge sidecar full of hyperventilating dogs LOL I'll get my husband to do the suspension for me to start, then think about the new springs later on, depending on how I make out with stock. We do have battery tenders now, already, but seriously, I have to plug her in in between rides?? Or just for really extended periods, i.e. winter? (which is the norm anyways) | ||
| Jules |
It does depend on how long you ride and at what sort of engine speed. Repeated short journeys at low (sub 5k) revs don't give the charging system an opportunity to replace the charge used to start the bike. I keep mine on an Optimate overnight every night as it won't harm the battery and ensures I have a fully charged battery every day. (I do a lot of short journeys). On the other hand I have left it for a couple of weeks before now and it still fired up first press of the button, other have left theirs longer with no problems. | ||
| D_adams |
I left mine off the charger from Dec to mid Jan (forgot to hook it up) and it fired up on the first try after doing the 12k valve service. Temps were hitting the mid teens in Jan, but I think it was probably 30-35 on that day. |
